Silent Epidemic With Serious Consequences

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is a water-soluble, largest and most structurally complicated cobalt-based organic vitamin. Cobalamin is such a unique and complex compound that no scientist in the lab is able to make it and for this reason it is often referred to as "the Mount Everest of biosynthetic problems." However, what scientists can’t accomplish a humble bacteria can as cobalamin can be synthesized(produced) only by certain probiotic bacterial species, especially those that are anaerobic (e.g., able to thrive in environments that lack oxygen such as intestines). Cobalamin synthesis is an extremely complex process which involves over 30 enzymatic steps and scientists still don't understand many details associated with it.

There are two bacterial species that possess all the genes for Cobalamin synthesis and both are used for the commercial production of vitamin B12. The first one is Lactobacillus reuteri (naturally can be found in intestines of many humans) and the second one is Propionibacterium freudenreichii which is a genetically-engineered strain. Several other probiotic bacterial species especially Lactic-acid bacteria such asBifidobacterium, Lactobacillus or Propionibacterium species can produce cobalamin as a result of a team work.

ROLE OFVITAMIN B12

Vitamin B12 is absolutely critical for good mental and physical health. It is essential for the DNA (cell’s genetic material) and works with other B vitamins to form all types of blood cells. It helps nerve fibres form and function in our brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. It supports brain function (memory & focus), immune system, energy production and metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It helps to keep our heart and cardiovascular system on track by maintaining normal homocysteine levels. Vitamin B12 plays important role in fertility and pregnancy. It is crucial in the maintenance of the nervous systemand in preventing damage of the myelin sheaths, the insulating material that surrounds nerve cells. Also children require constant Vitamin B12 supply for healthy development of the immune and nervous systems and to maintain proper appetite.

PREVALENCE OF B12 DEFICIENCY

Unfortunately, due to many different nutritional, physiological, environmental and lifestyle factors Vitamin B12 deficiency is regarded now as a very common and growing problem even among young people. For example, some sources suggest that almost half of the entire American nation may be affected by B12 deficiency (without knowing about it). The problem is similar in the UK and many other countries due to various common environmental and lifestyle factors. 50% of vegetarians and 70-80% of vegans are deficient in Vitamin B12.

SYMPTOMS & CONSEQUANCES OF B12 DEFICIENCY

There are two types of anaemia (megaloblastic and pernicious) that involve B12 deficiency. In megaloblastic anaemia red blood cells are fewer and enlarged especially as a result of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency. However, in this case vitamin B12 deficiency alone will not be able to produce symptoms if there is a sufficient amount folate (folic acid). This is why folic acid supplementation even in the absence of vitamin B12 can prevent megaloblastic anaemia.

The second type of anaemia is called pernicious and it is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK. In case of pernicious anaemia our immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the stomach that produce the intrinsic factor which is necessary for proper absorption of vitamin B12 from our gastrointestinal tract. As a result the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 which leads to anaemia caused by chronic deficiency of vitamin B12.

Lack of this vitamin also contributes to weakened immunity and recurrent infections, damage of the myelin sheaths of the nerve cells, birth defects, or increased homocysteine levels and higher risk of cardiovascular problems. Deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid lead to hearing loss. According to Alan Greene, M.D., premature grey hair is caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency. B12 deficiency often affects the lining of the uterus, causing an abnormal pap smear that is often mistaken as pre-cancerous. B12 deficiency can also cause nerve damage in the stomach, which prevents the stomach from emptying properly. This results in symptoms of bloating, heartburn, gastric reflux, nausea, or constipation.

Deficiency leads to the impairment of neurological functions since Vitamin B12 is a compulsory factor needed for the development of neurons. Because of the great variety of possible symptoms vitamin B12 deficiency can mimic many diseases such as depression, psychosis, or even Parkinson’s disease. Vitamin B12 deficiency may also lead to the damage of the myelin sheathwhich surrounds the nerve fibres; it can also mimic the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers have reported that these symptoms may sometimes occur even when vitamin B12 levels are just slightly lower than normal.

Initial symptoms such as numbness and tingling of fingers or toes may, without treatment, progress to instability of gait (deviation from normal walking) or paralysis.

Since the preservation of DNA integrity is dependent on vitamin B12 and folate availability deficiency of both of them has been linked to increased risk of various cancers such as breast cancer.

HIGH DEFICIENCY RISK GROUPS

Facts about vitamin B12 (cobalamin) show that in developed countries the number of people with low vitamin B12 is rampant not only among elderly people, vegans and vegetarians but actually among entire population including younger individuals or those who consume dairy and meat products on a regular basis. According to Dr. Jennifer Rooke – Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine, “Cattle no longer feed on grass and chickens do not peck in the dirt on factory farms. Even if they did, pesticides kill B12 producing bacteria in soil. Heavyantibiotic use kills B12 producing bacteria in the guts of farm animals.”

Studies have noted a link between B12 deficiency and abnormal estrogenic levels that may interfere with implantation of the fertilized egg. Dr. Michael Bennett describes a connection linking B12 deficiency with not only a failure to get pregnant but also a failure to successfully carry a baby full-term as lack of this vitamin can lead to neural tube defects in pregnancy. Pregnancy can drastically worsen a pre-existing B12 deficiencybecause B12 is transferred to the growing foetus throughout pregnancy. Maternal B12 deficiency may also increase child's risk of type-2 diabetes.

Pregnant women that are on vegan diet are recommended to take B12 supplements but since about 40% of those who regularly consume meat products and dairy are deficientin this vitamin it is wise for all pregnant women (regardless of diet) to take B12 supplements (especially the sublingual methylcobalamin).

DEFICIENCY FACTORS RELATED TO AGE

Because the chemical structure of cobalamin (B12) is extremely complex its proper absorption from animal foods in our body depends on many factors. Proper stomach acidity is required for this vitamin to be properly absorbed later in the intestine. Antacid drugs, therefore, by reducing gastric acid production cause decrease of vitamin B12 absorption leading to its deficiency. Another factor which may lead to the same problem is age as the older we get the less stomach acid we make.

There are at least seven factors required for proper B12 absorption from food sources and utilization. Among the most important ones (apart from stomach acid) are intrinsic factor and transcobalamines. Unfortunately, the older we get the less of them we produce. The problem starts especially when we are over 50 years old. However, those who are over 70 usually do not make those factors at all! It means they may be completely deprived of vitamin B12 and as a result can easily develop all kinds of symptoms including severe dementia, neurological problems or even Parkinson’s- or MS-like symptoms!

Since due to common deficiency of one or more of these seven factors elderly people can’t properly digest and absorb cobalamin (vitamin B12) they can get it only in the form of good quality supplements orB12 shots.

OTHER GROUPS OF INCREASED RISK

Apart from senior citizens, people at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency include especially strict vegetarians (vegans), breastfed infants, people with increased vitamin B12 requirements associated with kidney or liver disease, women during pregnancy, those who suffer from haemorrhage, and individuals with malignant cancers.

Also various prescribed medications such as some diabetes drugs may lead to B12 deficiency. Therefore, even if you are not a vegan you may still need the supplementation as meat and dairy eaters also often experience symptoms of cobalamin (B12) deficiency due to the problems with absorption or other factors such as stress, depression, and use of stimulants or laxatives.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF SUPPLEMENTING VITAMIN B12

Since vitamin B12 deficiency is a very common problem today proper supplementation of this vitamin is very important as it gives many health benefits: It protects nerve and brain cells from free radical damage, often reduces pain associated with neuropathies, contributes to the creation of healthy DNA and RNA, works with other B vitamins to form all types of blood cells, supports immune system health, improves mood and cognitive functions, protects the cardiovascular system, maintains overall energy levels, etc.

DETOXIFICATION

Vitamin B12 is an amazingly powerful detoxifying agent, particularly when it’s used in the form of sublingual methylcobalamin. Its power lies in the methyl part of the methylcobalamin as a process known as methylation is one of the most critical processes in the body. B12 (especially methylcobalamin), therefore, is used in our body to remove numerous dangerous substances such as arsenic, mercury, glutamates from artificial sweeteners and MSG, mycotoxins, or cyanide.

NERVE PROTECTION AND REGENERATION

Methylcobalamin is absolutely vital in the protection and the repair of the nervous system. Its deficiency can lead to peripheral nerve damage (especially in people chronic high blood sugar levels and those who are on statins and other cholesterol-lowering drugs), brain and spinal cord problems, neural tube defects in pregnancy, or Multiple Sclerosislesions.

Very few substances have any impact on regenerating damaged nerves in humans. However, a 1994 study in the Journal of Neurological Science (Vol 48) suggested that the methylcobalamin form of vitamin B12 could increase the synthesis of certain proteins that help regenerate nerves. The study showed that very high doses of methylcobalamin produced nerve regeneration in rats. A study on the impact of vitamin B12 on brain found that seniors with the lowest B12 levels had a six times greater rate of brain volume loss compared with those who had the highest levels of B12! Interestingly, none of the participants were actually deficient in vitamin B12 – they just had low levels within a ‘normal’ range!

BBC DOCUMENTARY ABOUT A WOMAN WHO RECOVERED FROM MS-LIKE SYMPTOMS AS A RESULT OF B12 SUPPLEMENTATION

There is an extraordinary BBC documentary available on YouTube about certain British lady by the name Catherine Iceton who was diagnosed with MS and the disease was so advanced that she used a wheelchair as she couldn’t walk because of the severe nerve damage. She also suffered from depression and blurred vision. She was prescribed immune suppressor drugs but they failed to improve her symptoms leading to some bad side effects. Fortunately, her loving husband didn’t give up but took her to an experienced doctor of Indian origin and when that lady with diagnosed MS explained him all the details about her disease he remembered that before he moved to England and worked as a physician in India he met some vegetarians or vegans with similar symptoms. In their case, however, the problem wasn’t caused by MS but by vitamin B12 deficiency. And when he prescribed them B12 shots they recovered. He therefore concluded that also in her case symptoms were caused by chronic and severe B12 deficiency and not by autoimmune response (MS). And lo and behold, after series of hydroxocobalamin B12 shots she completely recovered from all her problems! Normally she had to go to bed at half seven to eight o’clock as she couldn’t keep her eyes opened. But after the first injection she wasn’t tired or sleepy even at 9.30 as vitamin B12 greatly increased her energy and alertness. One night she needed to use a bathroom and surprisingly after waking she just got up on her own and walked to the bathroom forgetting about her wheelchair! And only when she was there she realised she did it without a wheelchair! Soon as a result of B12 supplementation all the symptoms were gone. She described her experience as “waking up from a night mare.” At the same time she also recovered from severe depression, muscle cramps and chronic fatigue.

INSOMNIA

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is reported to help insomniacs who have problems falling asleep as its deficiency can be one of the key causes of insomnia. The research indicated that as a result of taking B12 supplementation total length of sleep decreases while restorativeness of sleep increases. It is also important to know that many people who are B12 deficient never get into deep sleep, although they may have enough of shallow, non-restorative sleep.

Certain middle-aged Indian lady who suffered from insomnia for about three years asked me once how to cope with this problem as well as constant tiredness. Knowing that she was over 60 and was probably deficient in B12 I recommended her sublingual methylcobalamin. In addition, I also encouraged her to take B complex, Magnesium citrate, some herbs known to help relax the nervous system, and lifestyle changes. When I met her again after about one month she informed me her insomnia was gone. She also told me she decided to find out which supplement was most helpful and she discovered that only whenever she stopped taking methylcobalamin she couldn’t sleep again even if she kept on taking B complex and all other supplements and remedies!

But although deficiency of B12 can cause difficulties with falling asleep and therefore supplementation helps to cope with it yet the same B12 can also cause some problems with sleeping as it increases alertness and energy. For this reason take B12 (sublingual methylcobalamin is the best) only in the morning and try to not overdose it (not more than 2,000mcg per day). Also any B vitamin, Chlorella, Ginseng, Acetyl L-carnitine, Fumarate or DHEA and many other energy boosting supplements and herbs should be taken only in the morning as they all are known to increase energy and mental alertness.

ARE THERE ANY RELIABLE PLANT SOURCESS OF B12?

Strict vegetarians often think that they can provide sufficient amounts of this vitamin with seaweeds such as spirulina or kelp but unfortunately studies demonstrated that these rich in B12 plant sources do not contain biologically active form of this vitamin. Vitamin B12 present in spirulina or other seaweeds can even interfere with the active vitamin B12 forms and thus may contribute to the deficiency development! Also barley grass powder does not supply sufficient amounts of vitamin B12.

Some sources claim Brewer’s and nutritional yeast are good sources of B12 but the truth is they do not naturally contain B-12 unless they are fortified. But even if they are fortified the amount of B12 is too low to provide sufficient levels of this vitamin.

CULTIVATED UNDER SUN ORGASNIC CHLORELLA – THE ONLY RELIABLE PLANT SOURCE OF B12

There seems to be only one bioavailable plant source of vitamin B12 and it is Chlorella. According to the Journal of Medicinal Food (2015) “Vitamin B12 in chlorella is bioavailable and such dietary supplementation is a natural way for vegetarians and vegans to get the vitamin B12 they need.” [link] Since we know that only bacteria are capable of producing vitamin B12, it is therefore bacteria which growing in symbiosis with Chlorella that make this vitamin. Chlorella only absorbs B12 made by bacteria and stores it. However, not every Chlorella is believed to contain the bioavailable form of vitamin B12. Only chlorella which is exposed to natural sunlight contains vitamin B12 in its active form.

While there are different species of chlorella, it is recommended to use Chlorella pyrenoidosa (sun chlorella strain). Apart from chlorophyll, the most important constituent of chlorella is the Chlorella Growth Factor (C.G.F.), and it is believed that only Chlorella pyrenoidosa (sun chlorella strain) contains it in large quantity. Tank cultivated chlorellas that doesn’t use sunlight are much lower in CGF and in addition they shouldn’t also contain active form of vitamin B12. Apart from large amount of sunlight, proper cultivation of chlorella requires other important elements such as plenty of clean groundwater, low rainfall, clean air or stable temperature. So-called subtropical region like Taiwan area or South China Sea (not far from Taiwan) has one of the best conditions for culturing chlorella.

Chlorella is also recommended for those who are or might be deficient in B12 as it is the best possible food for intestinal bacterial species able to produce this vitamin. Chlorella helps them to multiply and thrive in the GI tract.

Nevertheless, even if chlorella contains active B12 the amount of this vitamin may not be sufficient for every person as even properly cultivated Chlorella contains only about 1 µg of vitamin B12 per gram of dry Chlorella. If you take about 2 heaped tablespoons or about 20 tablets of good quality Chlorella every day on a regular basis then it is possible that it will be able to prevent B12 deficiency. But since no Chlorella is standardised for B12 content and it is difficult to have a guarantee that Chlorella we use actually contains active B12 and whether it is sufficient dose I believe it is still wise to take 1000 mcg of sublingual methylcobalamin at least 2 or 3 times a week.

TYPES OF PROBIOTIC BACTERIAL SPECIES ABLE TO PRODUCE B12

The only one type of bacteria that possess all the genes for cobalamin (B12) synthesis is Lactobacillus reuteri (naturally can be found in intestines of many most humans). But fortunately there are also other probiotic bacterial species, especially Lactic-acid bacteria such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, or Propionibacterium that are able to synthesise this vitamin and other B-vitamins by mutual cooperation and by completing each other’s work.

It is therefore very beneficial for those who want to prevent or increase B12 levels to take good quality probiotic supplements containing the above mentioned strains.

WHY SOME LONG-TERM VEGANS ARE NOT DEFICIENT IN B12?

Published in 1999 Australian study of 245 Seventh-day Adventist ministers, who followed a vegan diet, found that 70 percent of them were deficient in vitamin B-12. 30%, however, had normal levels of this vitamin in spite of a diet which was completely deprived of B12 sources.

In another experiment Dr. Donaldson tested 54 Health Minsters who had been on the 100% plant-based Hallelujah Diet for B12 adequacy after they had been on the diet for a minimum of two years. His finding revealed that about 50% of those who had been on The Hallelujah Diet for two years or longer showed signs of B12 deficiency. However, it is very interesting that the second half of the participants, who also were on the same completely plant-based Hallelujah Diet, showed no B12 deficiency at all! The very important question to answer, therefore, is: Why some individuals who are deprived of animal foods for years show some signs of B12 deficiency, while others on the same diet are never deficient in this vitamin?

The answer to this question is not difficult to find if we take into consideration the fact that vitamin B12 (cobalamin) can be manufactured only by certain strains of beneficial probiotic bacteria that normally should live in our intestines and that there are many factors which can increase their number or destroy them. It means that those long-term vegans who are not deficient in B12 must have enough B12-manufacturing probiotic bacteria not only in the large intestines, where it can’t be absorbed, but also in their small intestines where B12 can be still absorbed and used by the body.

There is enough evidence that in some cases sufficient amount of B12 may come from the microflora found in the intestines even though diet is deprived of B12 sources and no supplements are taken. In one of the studies by Dr. Donaldson, vegan volunteers were given probiotics and some of them (not all) had significantly improved B12 levels without using any food sources of B12 or supplements. It means thatproper care for gut flora and taking supplements with live probiotic bacteria with known ability of producing cobalamin can in certain type of people be a sufficient source of B12.

It is also important to remember that although it is true that there are bacteria in our intestines that synthesize B-12, but in order for B12 to be absorbed into the bloodstream the bacteria must reside also in the small intestine. Unfortunately, in many people they live well beyond the part of the intestine where B-12 is absorbed.

However, although it is true there are some life-long vegans who do not seem to suffer from B12 deficiencies, yet it is still safer and wise to use B12 supplements (especially in the form of sublingual methylcobalamin) just to avoid any possible and dangerous consequences, in case bacteria in the small intestines do not make enough of this vitamin. Although bacteria present in the small intestine produce some B12 yet experts suggest that this amount does not always appear to be sufficient. Apart from that, vitamin B12 in the form of supplements is safe, strengthen our nervous system and boost energy as it often helps to effectively cope with fatigue. Almost every day I encourage different individuals to take B12 in the form of sublingual methylcobalamin and personally know many people who shortly after taking it experienced energy boost and other benefits.

So, yes it is possible that vegans may not develop vitamin B12 deficiency through sufficient B12 production by bacteria in the small intestine as well as chlorella supplementation. However, some experts suggest this is still regarded as an unusual condition, especially in Western countries, and therefore, should not be relied upon.

We also know that vegans (including myself) have almost always much lower white blood cell count than meat eaters. In the past I believed that it was so because being on a meat free diet our bodies have lower concentration of toxins or pathogens and therefore do not require so many leukocytes in the blood. But, although it may be one of the causes of this phenomenon, yet today I believe that the key reason of low white blood cell count among vegans is rather vitamin B12 deficiency as it is required in our body for all blood cells production, including white blood cells.

CAN ANIMAL-BASED DIET SOLVE B12 DEFICIENCY PROBLEM?

Unfortunately, encouraging people to consume animal products to prevent B12 deficiency is not a very wise idea as meat and dairy greatly increase risk of many dangerous health problems. Apart from that, even animal foods (including meat, dairy, eggs or farmed fish) today are often deprived of B12 as animals are fed with antibiotics which destroy probiotic bacteria in their gut. Studies have shown that those who are on a typical animal-based diet actually require more vitamin B12 than vegans. This is because their diet gradually destroys bacterial flora and leads to deficiency of stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

According to the The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “Low vitamin B-12 levels don’t just occur in older people. And contrary to current wisdom, meat, poultry, and sea food may not be a good source of the vitamin. A surprising 39 percent of participants (3,000 men and women-aged 26-83) had blood levels below 350 pg/ml, the level at which neurological signs of B-12 deficiency or high homocysteine levels sometimes occur.”

Because vitamin B12 is peptide bound in animal foods and in order to be absorbed must be enzymatically cleaved from peptide bonds, a deficiency of hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes and other factors such as transcobalamines greatly contribute to B12 deficiency as it can’t be properly extracted from food. On the other hand, healthy vegans (especially those who consume mostly raw plant foods) have much stronger digestive system, and healthier bacterial flora in their intestines, may actually get more vitamin B12 even though they do not consume animal foods. Unfortunately, not all vegans practice healthy diet and lifestyle principles as they consume products high in refined sugar and bad commercial proinflammatory oils, mostly refined and cooked products. In this way they cause dangerous nutritional deficiencies (including B12) and health problems bringing disgrace to proper veganism. Especially dangerous with regards to B12 is refined sugar as its negative influence can be similar to that of antibiotics due to its damaging effect on intestinal flora. Since heating (cooking) unrefined plant foods such as vegetables also kills probiotic bacteria it is very difficult for vegans who consume mostly cooked foods to maintain healthy bacterial balance in their intestines.

WHICH FORM OF B12 SUPLEMENTATION IS THE BEST?

The two known biologically active forms of B12 are methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Other forms, such as cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin (aquacobalamin) must be first metabolized to either of the two active forms in order to be used in our body.

Unfortunately, the most common and inexpensive cyanocobalamin (much cheaper than methylcobalamin) is difficult for the body to absorb, and the small amount that is absorbed usually fails to ﬁnd its way into the cells. As a result, many people who take even large doses of cyanocobalamin may continue to be deficient in B12. I don’t want to suggest that cyanocobalamin doesn’t work at all but that supplementing our body with this form of B12 requires more time and higher doses. In addition, since cyanocobalamin is not a natural form, it has to be converted in our body to the physiological forms (methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin), leaving behind the cyanide which has to be removed from the body. However, separating cyanide from cobalamin (B12) and flushing it out of your bodyrequires using methyl groups of molecules that are needed to fight things like homocysteine which greatly increases risk of heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, taking cyanocobalamin form of B12, we actually deprive our body of very beneficial methyl groups.

As far as supplements are concerned methylcobalamin is regarded as the final and therefore the most bio-available form of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), and when dissolved under the tongue it is not lost in the digestive process but gets straight into the bloodstream significantly increasing its absorption and effectiveness. Additionally, methylcobalamin plays important role in detoxifyingour body from heavy metalsand lowering thehomocysteine, which is known to contribute to the cardiovascular problems when its levels are too high. In addition, methylcobalamin is the only form of B12 which can directly participate in homocysteine metabolism. Also, converting homocysteine to methionine via methyl B12 increases the supply of SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine), regarded as the body's most important methyl donor.

Some suggest that the most biologically active form of vitamin B12 is neither cyanocobalamin nor methylcobalamin but hydroxocobalamin, because our body can dispose this form of B12 more efficiently. Others, however, oppose this idea by explaining that hydroxocobalamin is completely unstable when put in a tablet or capsule, and can only be taken by injection. This is the reason, they say, why we can’t find hydroxocobalamin in a nutrition supplement made by an honest company.

B-12 is also available in the form of injections but this method requires a trained medical professional, so only few people are willing to pursue this route. Sublingual methylcobalamin, therefore, seems to be the best and most convenient way of dealing with the problem of B12 deficiency.

NORMS & HEALTHY BLOOD LEVELS OF B12

Some experts who studied the subject for decades suggest that “normal” B12 blood levels is set way too low and should be raised from 150 ng/l to over 350 ng/l. This reasonable advice is based on the fact thatsymptoms of B12deficiency often start to appear even when blood levels are way over 150 ng/l or slightly below 300 ng/l!

We also need to take into consideration the fact that pseudo vitamin B12 from spirulina, tempeh, nori, etc. give positive B12 blood test resultsin spite of active B12 deficiency.

High blood levels of folate (folic acid) can make the complete blood count (CBC) test appear normal even though a B12 deficiency exists.

Unfortunately, regular medical tests of B12 levels in the blood can be often inaccurate not only because of wrong norms, which are way too low, but also due to many different possible factors such as high blood levels of folic acid, presence of pseudo forms of B12 (analogues) in the blood (from dietary sources such as spirulina, nori, sea vegetables, etc.) as they can give a falsely high reading of B12 in the blood.

Additionally, increased homocysteine levels, neurological damage and other symptoms can start taking place long before people are diagnosed with anaemia or even if they are told to have normal B12 levels.

The most reliable, therefore, suggested way to find out B12 deficiency is testing the blood homocysteine and MMA (methylmalonic acid) levelsasboth substances increase when B12 is deficient.

DOSAGE

Depending on your diet, lifestyle and all the mentioned above factors which may influence the absorption of vitamin B12 I would recommend taking about 1000 mcg to 2000 mcg of active vitamin B12 supplement (in the form of sublingual methylcobalamin) every day or every other day only after breakfast (all B vitamins should be taken only in the morning as otherwise they may sometimes interfere with sleeping as they increase energy levels for a longer time during the day).

Though RDA for adults is only 2.4 µg of vitamin B12 per day the suggested above amount (1000-2000mcg) is hundreds times higher because only about 1 percent of ingested B12 from supplements is absorbed while all the rest is removed with urine.

Those who are already deficient in this vitamin and experience anaemia and symptoms associated with deficiency should take even higher dosages of about 5,000mcg of sublingual methylcobalamin per day until recovery from symptoms. After that 1,000 to 2,000 mcg per day should be sufficient to prevent deficiency.

B-12 is stored in the liver, blood and muscles. Every day we lose about 0.2% of our cobalamin stores. It means that if we don’t regularly supply our body with this vitamin we will eventually cause deficiency and its consequences.

SAFETY

Vitamin B12 supplements are regarded as incredibly safe, even at very high doses. While doctors usually prescribe 0.5 to 1mg, in some studies doses of up to 40 mg per day (40,000

micrograms) were used with no side effects!

PRECAUTIONS

Taking B12 supplements remember that you need more potassium as potassium and methylcobalamin are antagonists. More methylcobalamin equals less potassium, and vice versa. However, if you consume a big bowl of raw vegetable salad every day the problem of potassium should be solved.

Although vitamin B12 is considered very safe, taking only one of any B vitamins for a long period of time can result in an imbalance of other B vitamins. It is, therefore, recommended to take B12 with a good B complex formula or multivitamins and minerals (such as Healthy Mega) that include all B vitamins.

Also if you take 400-800mcg of folic acid on a regular basis you need to take B12 as high doses of folic acid can mask B12 deficiency.

Because of the potential interactions with medications, you should take B12 supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.

For instance, vitamin B12 should not be taken at the same time as antibiotic tetracycline because it interferes with its absorption and effectiveness. All vitamin B complex supplements act in this way and must be taken at different times than tetracycline.

Normally B12 is very beneficial for maintaining eye health but in people with Leber's disease (a disease of the eye) B12 supplements can cause damage to the optic nerve.

USEFUL LINKS

Did ‘crazy’ Mary Todd Lincoln just need a shot of vitamin B-12? (https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/did-crazy-mary-todd-lincoln-just-need-a-shot-of-vitamin-b-12/2016/07/05/603aa006-3fb5-11e6-a66f-aa6c1883b6b1_story.html?tid=a_inl&utm_term=.aeb7998b7868)

Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.

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